20 Healthy Banana Bread Recipes

Losing weight usually means giving up some of your favorite sweets. But that’s no longer the case with the recent uprise in the popularity of classic sweet treat recipes that are being altered into wholesome goodies, simply by changing just a few ingredients.

After looking at the most popular classic banana bread recipes on the web, we saw that a typical loaf that uses white flour, butter, sour cream and refined sugar has anywhere from 244.8 to 248.8 grams of sugar. Now how is that going to help when you’re trying to eat healthy and melt your love handles? It’s not. But, there’s a reason these classic desserts are still around—and it’s not just because of their flavor. There’s a childhood memory, a family tradition, or a holiday custom that usually brings such a comforting feel along with them. So, we totally understand that flavor is still super important! Luckily for you, we’ve curated some of the best healthy banana bread recipes on the web and summarized a few tips for you below. Why not pair your new favorite healthy banana bread recipe with a cup of metabolism-boosting, fat-blasting tea? What a comfy combo!

Back to banana bread business: In recipes that call for white flour, which contains nearly no natural vitamins and minerals, switch it out for oat flour or nut meal, which has a higher amount of protein and no additives; this way you’re getting nutritional benefits and a more balanced treat. Swapping out butter for applesauce or sour cream for greek yogurt are also great alternatives to cut fat and calories and keep the same moist bite you’re looking for.

The moist texture and sweet flavor of banana bread are two things that make it so lovable and indulgent. Good news: There’s a naturally occurring sweet flavor and soft texture that comes from the ripened bananas, so excessive sugars and fats aren’t needed! Keep your traditions going strong with these ingredient swaps in the healthy banana bread recipes below—and then check out these 27 Foods Nutritionists Are Obsessed With!

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Protein-Packed Banana Bread

A banana bread loaded with protein is one you don’t want to pass up! For two slices, this bread has around 150 calories with only 6 grams of sugar. That’s a major win when it comes to something as sweet as this!

Chocolate Banana Bread

The combination of rich chocolate and sweet banana is one to die for. Using cocoa powder—with the option to omit the chips—makes for a healthy way to reduce the sugar count. This is the perfect comfort food to cozy up to with a nice glass of your favorite nut milk.

Flourless Banana Bread Muffins

Sometimes controlling your portions isn’t as easy as it sounds. With these dairy-free individual muffins, you’ll know exactly when to say no more. Baked with oats and almond flour, they form a perfectly dense, moist muffin. The recipe also calls for flaxseed, an omega-3 rich seed with a whopping 2.8 grams of fiber per tablespoon!

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Applesauce Banana Bread

Oats are a great way to switch out a dull ingredient like white flour for a fiber rich nutritional ingredient. It’s ideal with a green tea for breakfast or even topped with a nut butter as a midday snack. This not-too-sweet vegan treat is packed with better-for-you ingredients and doesn’t lose any of the flavor from an original recipe.

Healthy Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe calls for honey or maple syrup to add the extra touch of sweetness. Did you know that honey is one of the 7 Foods That Ease Your Cold Symptoms Sweeteners like these won’t send your blood sugar levels through the roof but still have that same sugary taste.

Banana Chia Bread

The chia craze continues. These low-calorie little superfoods can be added to anything but make for the perfect addition to this banana bread because of their mild flavor and extra bite. Plus, they have tons of antioxidants that help reduce the risk of disease. I say throw some of these in everything you eat!

Choco-PB-Bread

Remember when I said the combo of chocolate and banana was one to die for. Well, I may have spoken too soon. Adding peanut butter to that mix is possibly the most epic combination of foods in history- amiright? The texture and flavor of this treat are such pure perfection you’ll forget it’s even healthy.

Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread

Adding more fruit to a dessert never hurt anyone. This banana bread is great with blueberries a fruit we consider The Best Fruit For Your Sex life. But don’t stop there- try strawberries and raspberries too. All kinds of berries are known to be good for your skin and increase brain function. They also add a bright color and a tangy touch.

Zucchini Banana Bread

A banana bread made with a vegetable? Yep, we’re not monkeying around here. This banana bread uses zucchini to up the moisture level, making it nearly impossible to get a dry bite. We opt to use the full-fat greek yogurt instead of sour cream to get some healthy fats and topping with a few walnuts and raisins for an added crunch. Yum!

Healthy Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Carrot cake and banana bread are both amazing on their own but together make an unstoppable team. This recipe uses coconut oil instead of butter to increase the healthy fat intake. With the creamy drippy glaze, this is the perfect after dinner dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Banana Bread

No oil or butter, this pumpkin banana bread may sound crazy but by replacing those ingredients with Greek yogurt and some maple syrup, you get the same moistness without all the added saturated fat. Try the swap for yourself and you’ll see what we’re so excited about.

The Healthiest, Most Delicious Banana Bread Ever

That’s one heck of a promise! But hey, no unhealthy ingredients here! Made with oatmeal, coconut oil, and a homemade chocolate topping-these ingredients bring all the vital nutrients with no artificial sugars or flavors. If you were wondering what a flavorful, healthy banana bread should be like, here it is.

The Best Ever Healthy Banana Protein Bread with Maple Frosting

One slice of this picture perfect healthy banana bread is packed with almost 13 grams of protein and tons of flavor. If you’re looking to stay away from the added calories, choose to opt out of the additional frosting.

Honey Banana Bread

Carbs often get a bad rep, but there is a major difference between natural carbohydrates and fake, artificial ones. Honey is a great example of a good carb, bringing a natural sweetness to any dish and a big provider of strength and energy to our bodies. So, next time you’re looking to adding in that tablespoon of table sugar rethink it and use the good stuff.

Get the same indulgent flavors that you’re craving with these five healthy ways to mix up banana bread:

Banana Bread Smoothie

A little twist on the original but with all the same tasty flavors! This smoothie is a light version of banana bread that is great for a quick breakfast with zero added sugars. If you’re looking to lose weight by swapping out a meal for a portion this is exactly where to start. For more weight loss smoothie recipes check out

Healthy Banana Bread Bites

These little bites use only natural sweetness from the banana and dates to keep your blood sugar steady. They are ideal for portion control and ready to grab on the go. These are easy to make and healthy imitation of the old classic.

Healthy Banana Bread Overnight Oats

The classic dessert made super easy! This overnight oat recipe is an easy throw-together breakfast that tastes just like the original with half the effort. Only three ingredients, plus spices, and you’ve got yourself an awesome go-to meal.

No Bake Banana Bread Bites

Banana bread bites that are ready in no time! These vegan no-baking-needed treats are soft, gooey and oh so delish. Can’t finish them all? They can be frozen and thawed to keep for when you’re in the mood.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Scones

These chocolate chip banana scones would be so lovely with a cup of tea! They are super fluffy and moist with just the right amount of added butter to make them indulgently delicious but still healthful. Use some unsweetened cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips to cut back on the sugar.